THE compensation package for the families of the seven men from the Kumasi Zongo community, who were mistaken to be armed robbers and gunned down by Police at Manso Nkwanta, is, indeed, welcome news.

A five-member committee set up by the government to investigate the killings, following protest from the families, confirmed that the seven were not armed robbers as the police wanted us to believe.

It has been firmly established that it was a clear mistake and the government decision to compensate the family is appropriate.

We share in the sentiments expressed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that the package was not an attempt by the government to replace the lives lost with money, but rather compensate the families for their loss.

The effort by the government to get to the bottom of the matter demonstrates its commitment to rule of law and protection of the fundamental rights of the citizenry from impunity and abuses.

In democratic governance, no one is above the law. The enactors of the law and the enforcers are equal. That is why we must all resolve to respect the law and abide by its tenets.

Indeed, the matter has brought to the fore complaints of high handedness on the part of security agencies in some cases and the need for them, especially the police to exercise restraint in the line of duty.

There had been instances when innocent lives had been lost as a result of indiscretion on the part of the police, and investigations of such matters have never seen the light of the day.

The President gave the assurance when he addressed the maiden Zongo for Peace and Development conference in Kumasi, on Tuesday, that justice would be served in this case as the perpetrators had already been interdicted and would be processed for court, emphasising that justice was a prerequisite for peace in every society.

In all certainty, the victims may be bread-winners of their families and it would be a big loss to the victims’ families, so therefore, the compensation package is a well-thought out social protection for the deceased families.

Although, no amount of money can replace life, we urge the families of the victims to accept the compensation as the acceptance by the state that the police erred in this instance is comforting under the difficult circumstances.

This should be a big lesson for all, and the police must demonstrate a high standard of professionalism and exercise restraint in their line of duties, even under extreme provocation, to avoid tendencies that would make the state to make unintended expenditures.

The Ghanaian Times once again extends it condolences to the families of the victims and to commend the Asawase Zongo communities for showing considerable restraint in the face of pain they endured after their relatives were killed.

Although painful, we urge the youth not to be swayed into the path of recklessness so as to avoid suspicions, as they go about their daily business.